Embedded Files
A UAC Professional Development Series
The UAC Program Committee has created an archive of past presentations for members to reference.
Presentations Archive
2023-2024
TAMU University Health Services
TAMU University Health Services
Megan Bond | View Recording
This presentation will provide information on the services University Health Services offers for the mental and physical health of Texas A&M students. By the end of the presentation, you will know what services are available to students at your campus and how to get them connected to support.
Megan Bond is a Licensed Professional Counselor and University Health Service’s Case Management Referral Coordinator. She has worked in the counseling center for 6 years, graduated from Texas A&M, and is from Bryan/College Station, so is very familiar with the Aggie student experience. In her role at the counseling center, she meets with students to assist them in getting connected to mental health support in the community, as well as meets with students who present in crisis. She is passionate about supporting college students during a time of transition and self-exploration in their lives.
SB 17 Session
SB 17 Session
Dr. Hallmark | View Recording
With the noise and anxiety that has surrounded SB 17 implementation, coupled with changes within the university, it can be easy to forget why we are here. James Hallmark, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the A&M System, will share some thoughts regarding purpose and the current tensions in what (he hopes) will be a positive discussion of our current challenges in the context of our mission.
Dr. James Hallmark currently serves as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the Texas A&M University System overseeing faculty, curriculum, student affairs, student success, enrollment management/admissions, and special projects for the 11 universities and 155,000 students in the A&M System. Prior to this appointment, Hallmark served as Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs at West Texas A&M University (where he also served as interim president in 2016) as well as a lengthy term as Dean of the Graduate School and Research at that institution. In addition, he has served as Interim President at Texas A&M University Kingsville in 2022 and President of the Texas Council of Chief Academic Officers 2011-2012. Hallmark received his Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Oklahoma in Communication with a focus on organizational socialization, and his Bachelor of Arts from Oklahoma Christian College with a double major in American Studies and Communication.
Samantha Thomson, she/her
Samantha has worked for Austin Community College for 9 years and holds an advanced certification as an autism specialist, a master's in Autism Spectrum Disorder, and is a certified neurodivergent professional. In her current role as a Student Experience and Outcomes Transformation Coach at Austin Community College, Samantha Thomson works to increase equitable outcomes, bridging the gap between ACC and employment for neurodivergent persons. One of Sam’s specialties is providing comprehensive training in social cognition, executive functioning, and self-advocacy skills to increase professional success rates, including the long-term, professional goals of her students. Additionally, Sam provides training and workshops to establish meaningful and supportive connections with community partners to scale services for the neurodiverse population. In addition to her role as a transformation coach, Samantha is also the advisor for ACC's student-led organization NeuroBats of ACCess Autism, an ACC GROW supervisor, and the creator of the ACC virtual realty program for neurodivergent students, BatVntR.
Cultivating a Sense of Purpose & Belonging for Neurodivergent Stuents
Cultivating a Sense of Purpose & Belonging for Neurodivergent Stuents
Austin Community College Representatives | View Recording
Creating a supportive and inclusive environment for neurodivergent students in college is essential for their academic success and overall well-being. Cultivating a sense of purpose and belonging for these students can significantly contribute to their positive college experience. Through strength-based learning opportunities, Austin Community College provides essential wrap-around services to foster neurodivergent student's sense of purpose and belonging.
Join Samantha Thomson, Austin Community College's Transformation Coach, and her neurodivergent student leaders from Austin Community College's student-led organization NeuroBats of ACCess Autism. In this presentation, we will provide insight into the neurodivergent brain and how it operates. Through a first-hand experience with our neurodivergent student leaders, you will hear their stories, learn strategies to help ease executive functioning barriers and gain insight into the wrap-around services offered at ACC that have changed their trajectory moving them through persistence and toward academic, professional, and personal success. Austin Community College believes in the students' voice, so please sit back, relax, and learn as the student leaders provide you with how a strength-based approach can create a sense of belonging for ALL students.
Samantha Thomson identifies as neurodivergent, holds a Master's in autism spectrum disorder, and has over 15 years of experience working with autistic adults. Samantha is also an Advanced Certified Autism Specialist (ACAS), a Certified Neurodivergent Professional (CNP), and is currently working on her Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist Intensive Training (ASDCS).
See bios from 5 presenters!
Danielle Moak she/her is a student at Austin Community College seeking her Associate of Applied Science Degree in 3-D animation. Danielle is the president of NeuroBats of ACCess Autism, a student-led organization by and for neurodivergent students attending Austin Community College. As a student working in the ACC GROW program Danielle has utilized her strengths in art to create murals on campuses that communicate the importance of inclusion. Danielle's passions include art, advocacy, supporting her peers.
Aaron Moeller they/them
An aspiring journalist, short story writer, and opera singer, Aaron Moeller is passionate about spreading awareness of the disenfranchisement of autistic and neurodivergent communities and aims to thrust representation in a highly polarized society. Aaron is the Vice President of NeuroBats of ACCess Autism, Austin Community College's neurodivergent-friendly student-led organization. Aaron creates and develops journalistic columns for the university newspaper to guide and give resources to neurodivergent students navigating college. Aaron is Hispanic, gay, and neurodivergent, and has championed equal rights for neurodivergent and disabled persons for over seven years working as a direct support professional, helping people with intellectual disabilities achieve their goals. Aaron has an Associate of Arts in General Studies and is pursuing another degree in vocalization with a specialization in opera singing.
Brenton Kent he/him
Brenton is an autistic student who is seeking micro-credentials in different areas of computer systems and applications. As the historian of the student-led organization NeuroBats of ACCess Autism at ACC, Brenton's strengths and interests include photography, advocacy, and learning how to cultivate and build meaningful relationships.
Sinjin Clark they/them
Sinjin is an autistic student seeking an advanced manufacturing certification at Austin Community College. Sinjin is an ACC GROW associate, a leader for the student-led organization NeuroBats of ACCess Autism, and is helping shape the BatVntR virtual reality program. Sinjin enjoys collecting and building large-scale Lego sets, hanging out with their friends, and is passionate about advocacy for inclusivity.
Howdy Updates
Howdy Updates
Marc Huffstickler | View Recording
- Communicate the decommissioning of the Howdy Dashboard degree planner and auto-audits with planned courses
- Present on upcoming Howdy Portal enhancements planned for 2024
- Communicate upcoming Class Roster changes planned for 2024
Mark is an associate director in IT in the EIS/EAS group. His team is responsible for many of the student/faculty/advisor facing web services associated with the student information system (Banner/Compass) as well as the Howdy Portal.
So You Think You Can Present: How to Create a Rockin' Conference Proposal
So You Think You Can Present: How to Create a Rockin' Conference Proposal
Madalyn Smith | View Recording
Interested in presenting at a conference? Not sure where to start? Feeling overwhelmed by submitting a proposal? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are in the right place. Join me for an informative and interactive session on how to create a totally rockin’ conference proposal. I will share my top tips and tricks for creating and submitting a conference proposal that is sure to get accepted. This session will provide you valuable how-to’s for your proposal journey whether you have your eye on local, state, or national conferences.
Madalyn Smith is an Employee Wellness Coordinator with Texas A&M University. Before transitioning into this role, she served as an academic advisor for nearly 10 years at multiple institutions. She is an accomplished public speaker and workshop leader. She has presented at local, state, and national advising and other professional development conferences. She has even won the “best of” title at multiple conferences. She has become a wiz at conference proposals and is excited to share her experiences and tips for success with other professionals.
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